MidAmerica Nazarene University chose K & W Underground, the premier telecommunications contractor in the Midwest, to install a new fiber optic network on its Olathe campus. K & W Underground is headquartered in Olathe and is a provider to eight of the top 10 telecommunication providers in the Midwest. The new fiber optics will be the backbone of a completely redesigned and upgraded technology network that supports MNU’s strategic plan to build resources and further develop campus infrastructure.

The work begins with a new fiber optic ring installed this summer that will connect 23 buildings. Visitors will see construction across campus with workers from K & W Underground installing fiber as the first step of the project.

K & W President Rex Schick says 14,000 feet of fiber optics will be installed in this state-of-the-art fiber network. The company will provide a complete turnkey solution that includes consulting, design, fiber installation, splicing, testing and certification, and all materials. K & W does significant work in Olathe and completed a 100,000 foot, 44-building installation for the Olathe School District in 2013.

“We are honored to be chosen to install this design and consult on the telecommunications network at MNU,” he says. “It’s our hometown college. It’s a good partnership for us.”

Schick also confirmed that when completed, the project will provide for MNU students for years to come.

“This electronic and network design will allow MNU to deliver high-speed data for today and well into the future,” Schick says.

Mark Leinwetter, IT services manager at MNU, agrees.

“This new fiber ring will provide the bandwidth we need on the Olathe campus for the next 15 to 20 years, maybe even longer,” he says.

The fiber optics installation project will begin next week with a target completion date of Labor Day, closely followed by a network infrastructure upgrade.

--MidAmerica Nazarene University